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Monday, August 31, 2009

The following QSLs are a portion of those recently cut from my QSL Report column in Monitoring Times magazine www.monitoringtimes.com/ for space constraints. Your QSL contributions are always welcome for the magazine or Shortwave Central blog at the above email address.Good luck in your QSLing quest!Gayle Van Horn

Amateur RadioSpain-A05FL, 20 meters BPSK63. Full data color photo card of Palacio de Comunicaciones-Madrid. received in 30 days for a report to Jose Miguel Monco, Spain. (Van Horn).

Brazil Rádio Clube do Para, Belem, 4885 kHz. No data confirmation letter, station postcard, pennant and lapel pin for one of the dozen or so reports I have sent in over the years. Each report contained an English report, local postcard, an applause card and somw had IRCs or $1.00US currency enclosed. Station address: Rádio Clube do Para, Av. Almirante Barroso N° 2190-3° Andar, Belem, Para, Brasil, CEP 66095-000 (Joe Wood, TN)

ChinaToday I received QSLs from China National Radio for Septembr 2007 reports on 720 AM and 1377 AM kHz. Both cards were specific as to the frequency, date and time, and were sent in the same envelope. It was a pleasant surprise to finally hear from them after 21 months with no follow-ups. Station address: China National Radio, P.O. Box 4501, Beijing 100866 (Bruce Portzer/HCDX)

Include a self-addressed-envelope for his current price list or request a price list via email at 1. plumdx@msn.com . The prices represent Airmail rate to North America. Prices are subject to change without notice. No mimimum order via check, money order or credit card, but credit card orders under $ 15.00 will incur a $ 2.00 extra charge. Visa, MC, AMEX are accepted. Please include billing and shipping address for AMEX.

Don't forget the DX supplies include European Airmail envelopes (European Air Return and European Air Mailer). These envelopes are perfectly acceptable for mailing to ALL parts of the world, not just to Europe. Their size insures you that a 4"x6" DX QLSs will not come back to you folded which could happen if you used small U.S. sized airmail envelopes. Bill's European Air Return fits into a European Air Mailer without folding. These two envelopes and up to 5 QSL cards weigh less than one ounce. The European Air Return and 2 QSLs weigh less than 10 grams. All envelopes are sealed in plastic for protection. Envelopes are packed 100 per size per package. The 5-/50 Combo comes in one package.

I have used Bill's service for years and find his prices affordable and dependable. All stamps are enclosed within a glassine envelope, so no worries of stamps sticking to the letter, and you can enclose the stamps as is in the letter to the station.

I borrowed the following from VE3EN's web page athttp://www.solarcycle24.com/.The sun has been blank of official sunspots for 50 days in a row. This is only the forth time the sun has been blank for atleast 50 days since 1849. The 3rd longest streak on the list is 54 days between February-April 1879. The record is 92 days in 1913. We still have a while to go before we beat the record. Click the link below for all of the spotless day streak records.http://users.telenet.be/j.janssens/Spotless/Spotless.html .73 & GUD DX,Thomas F. Giella, NZ4OLakeland, FL, USAnz4o@arrl.net

After a grueling 51 day period with no sunspot groups a small solar cycle 24 sunspot group has emerged in the northern and western hemisphere of the Sun. Hopefully it will survive long enough to be numbered by NOAA/SWPC.

As a side note yesterday evening we experienced an unexpected brief (3 hrs) but moderately strong (Kp-6) geomagnetic storm. It did not come from a geo-effective (Earth facing) sunspot group associated coronal mass ejection. The likely source of the geomagnetic storm was a collapsing solar filament on the Sun or and unidentified deep space (out of our solar system)source.

New Australian DX Report includes propagation analysisEpisode no. 166 of the Australian DX Report audio news magazine includes propagation research analysis of current spectrum occupancy in the 9 MHz band during the 0830 to 0930 time window, as monitored here in Melbourne.

There are also other features, news and information about shortwave broadcasting, propagation, solar activity, monitoring notes, new schedules, extracts from schedules, and schedule updates.

You may download/listen to/save the episodes as an MP3 file on your laptop/desktop, set up a Podcast, or receive/save it on your Mobile Phone or other portable internet-enabled digital device.

You may also subscribe via the site's RSS/Atom feed - full details are at the site.

The episodes are also available on-air, over WWCR Nashville, 0200-0215 on Sundays, on 5070, and on Mondays 1145-1200 on 15825, and via WWCR's streaming audio (live) at http://wwcr.com/Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode No. 166, and enjoy the musical interludes!(Bob Padula, Melbourne, Australia)

Radio New Zealand staff are expected to agree this week to a freeze on salaries as the public broadcaster identifies $1.5 million of savings to make ends meet.

Radio NZ is facing another round of cost cuts after the Government ignored warnings of chronic underfunding and staff shortages.

Cutbacks are common in the media sector, which has been ravaged by an advertising slump. Commercial radio stations have also been laying off staff, and Television New Zealand has cut staff and programming.

Radio NZ does not rely on advertising and all government departments face cuts.

But it has been severely underfunded in good times, and is in a poor position to make cuts now.

Because public radio is wholly reliant on taxpayers and funding was frozen in the last Budget, it would battle to sustain services, an industry source said.

The Government froze funding despite an independent "baseline funding review" from accountancy firm KPMG, which showed Radio NZ was underfunded and understaffed, and underpaid its employees.

It has been announced that international visitors to Copengagen and residents are to get more accessible news services from public service broadcaster DR and the City Council. DR previously provided foreign language news on its website, as well as the daily News in English broadcast. Low audience ratings forced the radio broadcast off the air in 2001, while budget cuts led to the end of the on-line service in 2006.Prompted by parliament, the broadcaster will now present the news in the six most common foreign languages in Denmark. Initially, it will offer a selection of DR stories translated daily into English, Bosnian, Turkish, Arabic, Urdu and Somali for international readers on the DR website www.dr.dk/ and text television service.DR Online editor Nicolai Porsbo said the new service also allowed the broadcaster to fulfill its public service obligation. “DR is for the whole population and we will reach a lot of people who are interested in following the news here, but who often experience a language barrier,” Porsbo told Politiken newspaper.(Source: Copenhagen Post/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

The Venezuelan municipality of Ureña will install a repeater in order to transmit President Hugo Chávez’ Aló Presidente and other Bolivarian programs to neighbouring Colombia. Ureña mayor Nelson Becerra busied himself carrying out President Chávez’ instructions to spread the Venezuelan government’s Bolivarian message inside Colombia.The repeater will send a free television signal to Cucuta and other Colombian towns bordering Venezuela. Ureña is a few minutes ride from the Colombian city of Cucuta. Through the new antenna, the Venezolana de Televisión signal will reach more than one million Colombians living in the department of Norte de Santander. The repeater will be in full operation within two months.Chávez, amid a diplomatic crisis with Colombia over the planned expansion of US military in Colombia, announced earlier this week that he seeks new ways to distribute his “revolutionary” message to the Colombian people. Colombian denounced this as ‘meddling’ before the Organization of American States.(Source: Colombia Reports/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) officially launched its East Sea broadcasting project August 29, at the VN1 transmitter station in Hanoi’s Son Tay town. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung pressed the button to start the transmitter.Now that the project has been put into operation, fishermen and soldiers operating offshore or living on islands will have a channel providing accurate, timely, trustworthy and round-the-clock information on domestic and foreign affairs, economics, cultural, and social events, and especially forecasts about extreme weather, search and rescue work at sea to minimise loss of life and property caused by natural disasters.Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung praised the VOV’s effort in putting the first phase of the project into operation while the country is celebrating the 64th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day and the 40th anniversary of implementing President Ho Chi Minh’s testament.To better implement the project, PM Dung urged the VOV to make full use of infrastructure, machinery and staff to improve the quality of broadcasts on the East Sea. He emphasised the importance of the project to maritime economic activities, natural disaster prevention and rescue efforts.PM Dung asked the VOV to work closely with relevant ministries and departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of National Defence to receive and transmit information about fishing grounds, weather, and rescue work. He urged the VOV to make a greater effort to become “a trusted and loyal friend” of fishermen and soldiers operating offshore or living on islands to protect the country.PM Dung agreed that the Government will continue to finance the second phase of the project to provide high-quality news updates for Quang Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Kien Giang and central coastal provinces throughout the day, especially at night. He authorised the VOV to research and implement sub-projects to improve the quality of East Sea broadcasts.On behalf of the VOV deputy general director Dao Duy Hua briefed attendees on the project’s implementation process. The first phase of the project has been completed in 8 months with coverage reaching out 3,500km from the coast, including all Vietnamese territorial waters and most offshore fishing areas.(Source: Voice of Vietnam)

Andy Sennitt adds: No frequency information is given in the report, but with coverage up to 3,500 km from the coast this surely has to be a shortwave service. Does anyone have the schedule?(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide's English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.SATURDAY 29 August*** The State We're In ***

A Russian citizen who was arrested and beaten by the police has taken his attackers to court, but still feels far from safe.

A journalist who spent ten years as a detective in the Petersburg "heavy crime" unit explains the corruption and lawlessness of the Russian police that made him quit the force, and how people describe the police as their number one fear.

In this week's theme 'The Right to Silence' Jonathan speaks to UK's leading anti-noise protester, Dr Lars Jarup tells us about his study of airplane noise and writer Piya Kochhar reflects on the soundscape of her home city, Delhi, where the noise just doesn't stop.

Brandon Robshaw is a professor of philosophy at a British college. On the day he was giving a lesson on the meaning of tolerance, a student was in shrouded from head to toe in a Burqa. Should he kick her out or let her stay?

We speak with 21-year-old Nathan Royle from Adelaide, Australia who is one of a growing number of people from around the world who now describe themselves as 'asexual'. He tells us what led to the realisation that he has no desire to have sex with anyone ever again.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1000 Africa and Asia1200 North America1535 Europe2200 Asia, North America, Safm2300 Europe

*** Network Europe Week ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe. If you missed any editions of Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0300 North America1200 North America1500 Europe

SUNDAY 30 August*** Radio Books (primary program) ***

'A Brief History of Deceit' - by Herman Koch

Amsterdam author Herman Koch has enjoyed a spot on the Dutch best-seller list all summer with his latest novel 'Het Diner' (The Dinner). His popular appeal finds an excellent illustration in his contribution for Radio Books. The author/narrator explores early life lessons regarding truth and lies in both serious and whimsical fashion. But a surprising revelation at the end leaves us wondering what is true and what lies in the imagination of the writer.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0430 North America1030 Africa and Asia1230 North America1700 Europe2230 Asia, North America, Safm

MONDAY 31 August*** Curious Orange (primary program) ***

We are going to float your boat. Big time! As you know, the Dutch have been connected to the water for decades. The pay off this week? We'll hear why for some people the coolest place to live on is the water. We'll take you to a boat race for tall ships. In fact, we got to talk to 'the God of Dutch sailing'. And finally we'll hear how a 13-year-old girl is dying to set sail for the seven seas ... all alone.

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe. If you missed any editions of Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1700 Europe2200 Asia, North America, Safm

*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast time on SW (UTC):1500 South and Southeast Asia 9345, South Asia 11835 and 15815, Southeast Asia/India 75301900 West Africa 11660 and 15335, East Africa 9480

*** Euro Hit 40 ***

Europe's No.1 chart Show.

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'The Music House' (originally broadcast April 2004)

Music is the life-blood of the Baka Pygmies. The Euro-Afro band 'Baka Beyond' make music inspired by visits to the Baka. Producer Eka Morgan travels to the rainforest of Cameroon to meet the Baka and members of the band while they build a music house together.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America, Africa, Asia1200 North America

*** European Jazz Stage/ World Music ***

This week's Jazz Stage ranges from the intimate to the exuberant. Bert van den Brink and Jesse van Ruller present some jazz delicacies on piano and guitar, and the Bob Brookmeyer New Art Orchestra, featuring Joe Levano, plays Brookmeyer's arrangements of his own songs.

All of that, on the European Jazz Stage with Daniel Frankl.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

Phenomenal performances by Dutch top orchestras.

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2007There's a modern ring to this week's concert, with compositions as recent as Turnage's Evening Songs from 1968 and Stravinsky's Le baiser de la fée, which he revised in 1950. The final section features Tchaikovsky's Overture Romeo and Juliet. As usual, your hosts are Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2008Franz Schubert and Anton Webern dominate the scene in this edition of the Live concerts, but after the intermission the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra turns to Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. "You know every note, but every time you still hear something new," as co-host Bart Visman remarks to presenter Hans Haffmans.

TUESDAY 1 September*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.Broadcast times on SW (UTC):1440 South and Southeast Asia 9345, South Asia 11835 and 15815, Southeast Asia/India 7530, Tibet 58251900 Southern Africa 6020, East Africa 155352040 West Africa 11610, 11660 and 15335, East Africa 9480

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1500 Europe2200 Asia, North America

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***

A Russian citizen who was arrested and beaten by the police has taken his attackers to court, but still feels far from safe.

A journalist who spent ten years as a detective in the Petersburg "heavy crime" unit explains the corruption and lawlessness of the Russian police that made him quit the force, and how people describe the police as their number one fear.

In this week's theme 'The Right to Silence' Jonathan speaks toUK's leading anti-noise protester, Dr Lars Jarup tells us about his study of airplane noise and writer Piya Kochhar reflects on the soundscape of her home city, Delhi, where the noise just doesn't stop.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America1030 Africa and Asia1200 North America1530 Europe1730 Europe2230 Asia, North America

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Powwow at Porcupine' (originally broadcast February 2005)

At the Pine Ridge reservation in Porcupine, South Dakota, the Oglala Lakota Sioux gather for a joyous celebration. At a traditional powwow, the drums they play are the heartbeat of a people proud of their heritage. Producer Martha Hawley joined the festivities.

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Musica Humana' (originally broadcast July 2005)

Doctors and musicians in Denmark have created a specially composed 'sound environment' to use in hospitals to help patients relax and recover better. Produced by Anne Blair Gould, the programme won a Silver Medal at the New York Festivals.

Fixing things, we'll be meeting a group of artists who think we should repair more. They've been teaching the citizens of Amsterdam the lost art of mending their belongings, rather than chucking them out.

And, as electronics giant Philips stops making 100 watt light bulbs and homes are set to become fitted with energy saving ones we hear if they are so efficient after-all.

Earthbeat will be shedding light on these topics and more on this week's programme.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America1000 Africa and Asia1200 North America1540 Europe2300 Europe

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Ode to Health and Ignorance' (originally broadcast September 2006)

Producer Chris Chambers looks at his and other people's experiences with Chronic Lyme Disease to give an impression of what it's like to not only fight a serious illness, but also the doubts and scepticism of doctors. The programme won a Bronze Medal at the New York Festivals.

This week on Bridges with Africa it's education through the eyes of African parents! How do they think it should be done? We hear how times have changed for rural communities in Kenya and Ethiopia. We find out why health workers are on strike in Zimbabwe. And it's the last in our series of summer musical specials - we're going out with a bang! It's Malian icon: Selif Keita.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0430 North America1000 Africa and Asia1730 Europe2230 Asia, North America

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Song of a Troubled Heart' (originally broadcast August 2006)

After a series of tragedies, Gustav Mahler created his most personal work. In August of 1910, the seriously depressed composer travelled to Holland to meet with Dr Sigmund Freud. A Finalist at festivals in New York and Croatia, this feature was produced by David Swatling.

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels during 17 - 18 August. Activity increased to quiet to active levels on 19 August, with a single minor storm period observed at high latitudes. Activity decreased to quiet to active levels during 20 - 21 August, with isolated active periods at high latitudes. ACE solar wind data indicated the elevated conditions were due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). Predominantly quiet levels returned during 22 - 23 August. Velocities at ACE increased from a low of 269 km/s at 17/0758 UTC to a high of 594 km/s at 20/2245 UTC before gradually decreasing to 421 km/s at the end of the period.Interplanetary magnetic field activity associated with the CH HSS included increased Bt (maximum of 12 nT at 19/1551 UTC) and southward Bz (maximum of -10 nT at 19/1135 UTC).

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity26 August - 21 September 2009

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate flux levels during the period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly quiet levels during the period. Isolated unsettled levels are expected on 02 September, 09 September, and 16 - 17 September due to recurrent effects.

I've been concerned for quite a while about the possibility that we are entering another "Dalton" type sunspot number minimum, a shorter version of the Maunder Minimum. Check out this web page link www.wcflunatall.com/Dalton%20Minimum.jpg .

Few sunspot groups and poor band conditions on 15-6 meters would be the least of our worries. The big concern would be global cooling for a period of 20-30 years. Another Dalton type Minimum would put quite a strain on natural resources such as food and petroleum and mass starvation could result in third and second world countries.(Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O, Lakeland, FL)

A reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of Atlantic 252 is to be held in Trim, Ireland, on 12 September, and anyone who had any involvement in the longwave giant is invited. Organiser Enda Caldwell is hoping to get as many people from the station's 12 year history to come along as possible, and would like to hear from you if you were involved.

It was originally to be a private event. Now it is open to the general public to attend in a conference setting to see and hear and meet the people who made Atlantic 252 one of the most successful Irish based radio stations in Europe. This is what's planned:

Charlie Wolf will open the day's proceedings by making an opening address to public and media who will arrive for 3pm.

3pm - 3.45 Atlantic 252 The Launch Lineup including Charlie Wolf confirmed, talk about the launch day memories. there will be a panel with the opportunity for questions from the press and public near the end.

3.45 - 4pm A break for refreshments

4pm - 4.45pm The 91-94 days with people from that era talking about the station's peak days, the Roadshows, music etc.

4.45- 5.15pm the 95-98 days with The Pizzaman etc to speak.

5.15 - 5.45pm 98-01 days and Enda Caldwell at the very end talking about the closedown.

5.45 pm - 8pm The Atlantic 252 Saturday Night Party with The Pizzaman plus special Guest Atlantic 252 jocks playing those Long Waves Of Nonstop Hits from 1989-2001.

Australian DX Report 165 available for downloadEpisode # 165 of the Australian DX Report audio news magazine includes propagation research analysis of current spectrum occupancy in the 6 MHz band during the 2030 to 2100 time window, as monitored here in Melbourne.

There are also other features, news and information about shortwave broadcasting, propagation, solar activity, monitoring notes, new schedules,extracts from schedules, and schedule updates.It's 15 mins duration, and may be accessed from http://airm.edxp.org/

You may download/listen to/save the episodes as an MP3 file on your laptop/desktop, set up a Podcast, or receive/save it on your Mobile Phone or other portable internet-enabled digital device.

You may also subscribe via the site's RSS/Atom feed - full details are at the site.The episodes are also available on-air, over WWCR Nashville, 0200-0215 on Sundays, on 5070, and on Mondays 1145-1200 on 15825, and via WWCR's streaming audio (live) at http://wwcr.com/Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode # 11165, and enjoy the musical interludes!(Bob Padula, Melbourne, Australia/Cumbre4 DX)

Both Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) & Bangladesh Betar were back on their respective channels 6035 & 4750 kHz during my checking around 0624 UTC on August 24th. But the in the early morning hour, indeed both BBS & Bangladesh Betar were absent on their respective frequencies. (Gautam Kumar Sharma, Abhayapuri Assam, India via Alokesh Gupta, India)

4750, Bangladesh Betar, 1334, August 24. Assume n scheduled Bengali. Man with the news; ID at 1340 ("Bangladesh Betar"), followed by woman with the news. Subcontinent music and singing at 1350. Interference from CNR-1 (Chinese) and RRI (non-stopreciting from the Qur’an). Without the interference would have been fair reception (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

We are having a major interference problem on our main short wave radio frequency on 6010 kHz; which transmits "The Voice Of Your Conscience". For several weeks now Radio Havana Cuba has been jamming our radio transmissions with communist broadcasts in English from about 12:00 PM to 6:00 AM EST (a key time slot when many people tune in and the signal goes a long ways). There are 80,000 Galcom solar radios fix tuned to our two short wave frequencies that have been distributed to men and women on all sides of this conflict.

Last year we had the opposite problem when an anti Castro group started up powerful anti communist broadcasts on our other short wave frequency, 5910 kHz. After a lot of prayer we were able to obtain international help which solved the problem. We have already filed a complaint about this new problem but the help and decision of the international agency is nonbinding and each country is autonomous.

Another thing that we can do is to up the power on our transmitters so that our signal will dominate in Colombia. We have a new transmitter which just arrived in the container from Canada which is twice as powerful as the one we presently use. However it will require antennas, some additional parts, labor and modifications in order to tune it to our frequency and an adequate transmitter shack for the installation. All told it will take about US 32,000 to get this new system up and running properly.

Last week we also received the sad news that HCJB will be terminating their short wave broadcasts from Quito, Ecuador for a variety of reasons. This means that we may soon be the only remaining Christian short wave radio on the air in Latin America at this most critical time.

I was informed yesterday that one of our high mountain FM radio sites was destroyed in the midst of intense fighting. Guerrillas overran the ridge we were on and heavily mined the area. The army counterattacked and our house was destroyed along with some of our equipment. This site is very strategic for us because it enables us to penetrate the vast Colombia Ecuador border region which is mostly under communist control. We have another, safer and even higher site where we can continue to transmit from but it will cost over US 50,000 to replace this loss. We praise the Lord that all of our people were spared and that only material things weredestroyed.

We estimate that there is a potential listening audience of well over 100 million people in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Panama and Venezuela who live within optimum range of our broadcasts. Our actual listening audience is estimated to average well over 300,000 people who are tuned in at any given time, many of them live in vast areas where church buildings and meetings are strictly prohibited.

The world wide recession which has really started to take hold here in Colombia has affected us and we are in the midst of a very tight financial situation in addition to all of the above. Pray that the Lord will continue to provide whatever is necessary to keep this vital radio network on the air in the midst of all the strife and turmoil of this volatile region which is open now as never before to the Gospel.

Israel's Galei Zahal in Hebrew15785.00 Galei Zahal Army Forces Radio Service in Hebrew, seems back on on 19 meter band again. Noted today (Aug 21) around 1130 for the first time since approx. July 27th. S=5-6 only, deep fades.(wb, Germany/HCDX)

Kuwait on 7250 ?Radio Kuwait 0935 in Farsi with talks by lady announcer. Keeping radio on and listening on 0958 I heard ID as of Radio Kuwait, then national anthem. Station ID at 1000 in Arabic then ID with hymn with talks mixed with English and Tagalog (presumed)language . On 1102 with quranic psalms. Re-tuning on 1005 frequency was vacant!!! (Zacharias Liangas, Greece/HCDX)

Laos back on 7145External Services back on 7145 as mentioned already some weeks back. Good clear signals on 7145 kHz. Even though I am a radio amateur and know 7145 is not a morally correct operation for Laos, I love to have this rare DX continue. Here is South and South East Asia the new band extension is hardly used.

Best 1200-1400 with French 1300-1330, English 1330-1400.(Victor Goonetilleke-CLN DXplorer Aug 16/BC DX #926)

Newfoundland on 6160.96160.9 (!) CKZN, St. John's Newfoundland, 2250-2300 (when blocked). English interview in unidentified prgram. SINPO 35422. Blocked by a station on an adjacent channel, RNW 6165, but that was more than enough to choke the otherwise quiet signal that was only plagued by fast QSB. This was found \\ to Gander 1400 kHz, rated SINPO 33442. (Carlos Goncalves-POR, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 20/BC-DX #926)

Niger monitoring9704.99 LV du Sahel, Niamey, 2120-2159.* (Tentative) Weak signal with lite US pop music. French/vernacular talk. Sign off at 2159 but unable to hear many program details after 2150 due to a high noise level.(Brian Alexander-PA-USA, DXplorer Aug 16)Niger noted back again also in Germany since Aug 13, wb.

Radio New Zealand Mailbox program linkRNZI Mailbox/DX Prog for 24th Aug is now available for download from this link :www.rnzi.com/audio/mailbox.mp3 (Alokesh Gupta, India/Cumbre DX)

Radio Rossii monitoring5920, Radio Rossii, 0929-0940. Noted a series of features and comments in Russian. Plenty of canned and live ID's as "Radio Rossii." Signal was good.(Chuck Bolland,FL)

5940, Radio Rossii, 0934-0945. With a parallel signal of 5920 KHz, noted persons in Russian language comments. Signal wasn't as good as 5920 KHz, resulting in just a poor signal.(Chuck Bolland, FL)

Seventy Years of BBC broadcastingThis weeks edition of Over to You on the BBC World Service, first broadcast 22/08/09 carried a 12 minute report on 70 Years of BBC Monitoring.

It is available online, as well as all previous programmes in the series.

The feature on BBC Monitoring starts at 7 minutes 45 following the feature on the media in Afghanistan: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsn8 (Mike Barralough, UK/worldxclub)

Taiwan reportTaiwan station moved from the ham band. The RTI-CBS Chinese for mainlands on 7185 moved to 7385 kHz from Aug. 15 at 1000-1700 UT.

And RTI-CBS 2nd confirmed that it moved in Aug. 16 at 1400 UT to 6075 kHz from 7130 kHz. \\ 6145 kHz.

Clearing it can receive 6075 kHz non-jamming. 7130 kHz can receive only CNR-1 of the jamming.

To be a plan is to Aug. 18, the RTI Japanese service on 7130 kHz returns to the Tainan TX site from Aug. 19. (Sei-ichi Hasegawa-JPN, Nagoya DX Circle NDXC, Aug 16/BC DX #926)

Vanuatu on 3945Radio Vanuatu, 1003-1101. Religious program with host talking mixing with soft instrumental music. Religious music on rare occasions to "goodnight" mention at 1030. Studio male announcer at 1101 with what sounded like program outro. Wind instrument signature, then same male announcer with ten-minute newscast ending with nice identification. Music briefly, then announcer again and local interference again. Fortunately the noise waited until after the ID!! Best signal yet. (Dave Valko, PA/Cumbre DX)

Radio Taiwan International was also hit by the effects of Typhoon Morakot – but has also had an opportunity to play a part in relief efforts as well. Several of RTI’s branch stations [sic] in the south of Taiwan suffered damage in the storm, in particular transmitters in Tainan and Fangliao.RTI President Wang Tan-ping paid tribute to the station’s engineers who were able to ensure that RTI broadcasts carried on as usual while repairs were underway, especially as RTI was reporting the unfolding news of the typhoon around the world.A collection taken up from among RTI staff members has been donated to victims of the typhoon to help rebuild their homes. In addition, RTI’s branch station in Changchi in the southernmost Pingtung county was used to temporarily house some 300 people left homeless by the storm, as well as soldiers helping with rescue and relief efforts.(Source: Radio Taiwan International, 21 August 2009/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Radio Free Asia announces the release of the third QSL card in its Radio Pioneer series. The card honors Serbian-born American physicist, Nikola Tesla. Tesla was a pioneer in many fields. The Tesla coil, which he invented in 1891, is widely used today in electronic equipment. Nikola Tesla patented the basic system of radio in 1896. Tesla’s schematic diagrams describing the basic elements of a radio transmitter were later used by Marconi. In 1896 Tesla constructed an instrument to receive radio waves. He experimented with this device and transmitted radio waves from his New York laboratory. The radio device clearly establishes Nikola Tesla as a radio pioneer. In Colorado Springs, where he stayed from May 1899 until 1900, Tesla made what he regarded as his most important discovery-- terrestrial stationary waves. By this discovery Tesla proved the Earth could be used as a conductor and would be as responsive as a tuning fork to electrical vibrations of a certain frequency. He also lighted 200 lamps without wires from a distance of 25 miles (40 kilometers) and created man-made lightning. The QSL card below will be issued for all valid RFA reception reports from July 1 – August 31, 2009.

RFA’s QSL card honoring Serbian-born American physicist, Nikola Tesla

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at http://www.rfa.org/ .RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener.RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at http://www.techweb.rfa.org/ (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience.

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org , and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Angola(Presumed) 7216.75, Radio Nacional, Mulenvos. Looking for any signs of Angola, I found a very weak carrier on 7216.75 on 8/22 from 2320 tune-in until off at 0149. Weak carrier on same frequency back on at 0552 UT 8/23, although well after 0513 UT transmitter sunrise. No audio noted, but it appears Angola is not on 24h. (Brandon Jordan, TN)

6160.881, CKZN, St. John's, 0440. Poor to fair signal with CBC program, talks by men and woman, brief music clips. Noisy crowd in this part of the band and the fun ended at 0559 when Radio Nederland appeared on 6165 kHz. Carrier-only 6160.021 kHz should be CKZU Vancouver? (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

Djibouti4780, Radio Djibouti, *0300-0325. Sign on with national anthem. Qu’ran at 0301. Arabic talk at 0311. Horn of Africa music at 0322. Signal weak, poor with some utility interference. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Ethiopia7165, Voice of Peace & Democracy, via Radio Ethiopia transmitters. *0356-0432.* Sign on with Horn of Africa music and several IDs. Opening announcements at 0400 and talk in listed Tigrinya. Some Horn of Africa music. Fair to good until 0403 when covered by noise jammer. Constantly drifting on // 9559.85-9560.30, but with a fair to good signal. Mon, Wed, Fri only. (Brian Alexander, PA)

6110, Radio Fana, Addis Ababa. *0256 - Interval signalk heard well under Mighty KBC and then in the clear when KBC left the air at 0258. Interval signal continued to 0301, the usual Radio Fana ID and then into news. Various bird calls at 0304, Horn of Africa vocals into talk by man and woman. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

7110, Radio Ethiopia. *0259, On without interval signal, noted male speaker and top of hour church bells, ID and talk by man. Horn of Africa vocals from 0306, then talk by man with brief musical bridges between topics. A few clear mentions of Selassie heard during one segment. Much weaker // 5989.5v also heard, with only heard during 0320-0340 peak. This transmitter was turned on much earlier at 0238 UT on 5989.39, and had drifted up to 5989.67 at 0500 when I lost the carrier in the WYFR 5985 sign-on splatter. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

7110, Radio Ethiopia (Gedja). 0349-0415. Amharic. Male announcer with what sounded like prayers. Commentary and news followed by jazz though0400 UTC. Station identification with frequency announcement and Horn of Africa music. Signal fair-good. (Jow Wood, TN)

Equatorial Guinea6250, Radio Nacional, Malabo. No sign of Radio Nacional this morning. (Brandon Jordan, TN)

Guinea(Presumed) 7125v, Radio Conakry, Conakry. 0624-0725 - transmitter on at 0624, slowly drifting from 7124.99 to a few hertz above 7125 by 0725 off. Initially weak carrier but rising to good levels by 0645 transmitter sunrise, but the signal never produced any audio. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

Laos6130 Lao National Radio 1140-1215. Lao vocals hosted by male announcer past 1200, then dead air, seemingly from 1203-1210. Tuned back in time to hear the usual 1200 UTC gongs at 1211, followed by possible ID and news. Fair signal in the band noise. (John Wilkins, CO)

Madagascar(Presumed) 7105, Radio Madagasikara, Ambohhidrano. 0455, transmitter on at 0455, but only barely threshold audio only heard just after 0500 UT, woman talking, instrumental music bridge, fading. Very presumed. Although this is almost two hours after transmitter sunrise, no idea who else this could be. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

7295 Traxx FM 1245-1312 Aug 17. Pop mx, YL ancr between selections; "Traxx FM" jingle at ToH, followed by 1+1 pips and presumed news, back to music at 1311. All in English. Fair signal but rough copy due to 7300 splatter. (John Wilkins, CO)

Mali9635, RTVM, *0801-0835. Sign on with about 30 seconds of flute interval signal and into vernacular talk. Rustic tribal music at 0826. Poor in noisy conditions. (Brian Alexander, PA)

5995, Radio Mali, Bamako. 0556-0800.* Noted transmitter on but couldn't make out much audio until signal peaked from 0620 UT, woman monologue in French until the bottom of the hour. Male talking in lang, then a capella vocals. Clear and slowly fading, still hearing weak audio when RA's Waltzing Matilda started up at 0758. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

New Zealand11725, Radio New Zealand International (Rangitaki). 0511-0520. Talk of US involvement in Afghanistan. Pre-recordings of New Zealand parliamentarians and their support or opposition of NZ troops being sent in harm’s way. Fair. (Joe Wood, TN).

Russia7320, Radio Rossii, 0955-1005, Noted a male in Russian language comments. At 0958 and until 1000, heard a number of ID's as "Radio Rossii", by both a male and female. On the hour CNR in Japanese comes on the air using the frequency of 7325 KHz, blocking Rossii about 50 percent with splatter, which also reduces the strength of Rossii from a fair to poor. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

5920, Radio Rossii, 0923-0935. Noted Russian language comments, followed immediately with Russian choir type singing. No sign of WBOH yet. Maybe they are skipping over me? Rossii is armchair at this time however. At 0928 the announcer returns with more comments. On second thought, when the male is in Russian comments, I can hear a slight signal from WBOH under Rossii. At 0929, more music which is possibly from the earlier years before the 1917 revolution or maybe after? What was their recording technology like in those years, don't know? Checked 5940 for parallel and heard a weak signal there with same program. Rossii was good on 5920 KHz when I dropped it at 0935.(Chuck Bolland,FL)

South Korea6155, KBS, 0947-1000.* Noted two females in Japanese language conversation at tune in. Something like music is heard at 0953. This is followed with more Japanese comments from a female. At 0957 more music presented. At 0959 closing comments from two females in Japanese who say goodbye. This is followed by an ID in English from a male. Signal off at that time. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Sudan7200, SRTC, Omdurman. *0236. On with Qu'ran recitations and initially very strong amateur radio interference from AD8P on 7202.2 LSB. Later in the clear with Sudanese vocals, Arabic talks. Very strong peak noted at 0338 UT. 5+1 time pips with echo efx at 0500, ID mentioning as-Sudan into news bulletin. (Brandon Jordan, TN/Cumbre DX)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide'sEnglish Service - a list of the new programs coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.SATURDAY 22 August*** The State We're In ***

This week on the show we look at the rights of patients and doctors under American health insurance.

Dr. Neva Bartholomew was doing the job she loved, working as a primary care physician, serving families she knew personally - until the red tape of US health insurance companies forced her out of the field.

A second-year medical school student at Vanderbilt University in the US plans on becoming a primary care physician, and he reflects on what US health insurance reform will mean for his career and his hopes to get out of debt.

Every day 70 children are made orphans in Zimbabwe, their parents taken by AIDS or violence. Musa and the children in her care are amongst the 400,000 children in the country who live in a household without an adult carer. Jonathan Groubert talks to Musa about her life and responsibilities.

Paul Peterson was a Mouseketeer and Donna Reed's TV son. Today he campaigns against the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.

Azim Khamisa was a successful investment banker until the day he learnt that his only son had been killed by a 14-year-old gang initiate. Azim decided to dedicate the rest of his life to teaching forgiveness and trying to rescue children like his son's killer from gang violence.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1000 Africa and Asia1200 North America1535 Europe2200 Asia, North America, Safm2300 Europe

*** Network Europe Week ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe. If you missed any editions of Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0300 North America1200 North America1500 Europe

SUNDAY 23 August*** Radio Books (primary programme) ***

'The Back' - by Bernard Dewulf

Flemish poet and journalist Bernard Dewulf has written two collections of essays about art. In his Radio Books story, a painter finds himself somewhat lost when he sets out to create a painting of his former lover's back. He turns to words and a series of letters in an attempt to free his 'artist's block'.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0430 North America1030 Africa and Asia1230 North America1700 Europe2230 Asia, North America, Safm

MONDAY 24 August*** Curious Orange (primary program) ***

This week on Curious Orange it's the end of an era. Our era, that is. We already told you that Curious Orange is changing. This week we'll tell you what those changes are and we'll spend the rest of the show in the Curious Orange audio vaults listening to our favourite radio moments.

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe. If you missed any editions of Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1700 Europe2200 Asia, North America, Safm

*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast time on SW (UTC):1500 South and Southeast Asia 9345, South Asia 11835 and 15815, Southeast Asia/India 75301900 West Africa 11660 and 15335, East Africa 9480

*** Euro Hit 40 ***

Europe's No. 1 chart Show.

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Song of a Troubled Heart' (originally broadcast August 2006)

After a series of tragedies, Gustav Mahler created his most personal work. In August of 1910, the seriously depressed composer travelled to Holland to meet with Dr Sigmund Freud. A Finalist at festivals in New York and Croatia, this feature was produced by David Swatling.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America, Africa, Asia1200 North America

*** European Jazz Stage/ World Music ***

This year's European Jazz Festival in Rotterdam is about a month behind us. Time to look back over the past 30 years of the festival, which saw jazz giants like Phil Woods, Betty Carter, Toots Thielemans and Rob Madna appear in the festival hall.

All of that, on the European Jazz Stage with Daniel Frankl.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

Phenomenal performances by Dutch top orchestras.

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2007Hans Haffmans is taking you through the seasons, with Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Poulenc. It's evident why the seasons have inspired and challenged so many composers: they provide a natural variety in rhythm, tone and atmosphere that is begging to be put into music, as co-host Sylvia Wilson points out.

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2008The programme's regular co-host Bart Visman's composition Sables, Oxygènes is premiered in this show, preceded by Debussy's Printemps. Both are performed by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. After the break it's Ravel's masterpiece, Daphnis et Chloe.

TUESDAY 25 August*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.Broadcast times on SW (UTC):1440 South and Southeast Asia 9345, South Asia 11835 and 15815, Southeast Asia/India 7530, Tibet 58251900 Southern Africa 6020, East Africa 155352040 West Africa 11610, 11660 and 15335, East Africa 9480

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):1500 Europe2200 Asia, North America

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***

This week on the show we look at the rights of patients and doctors under American health insurance.

Dr. Neva Bartholomew was doing the job she loved, working as a primary care physician, serving families she knew personally - until the red tape of US health insurance companies forced her out of the field.

A second-year medical school student at Vanderbilt University in the US plans on becoming a primary care physician, and he reflects on what US health insurance reform will mean for his career and his hopes to get out of debt.

Every day 70 children are made orphans in Zimbabwe, their parents taken by AIDS or violence. Musa and the children in her care are amongst the 400,000 children in the country who live in a household without an adult carer. Jonathan Groubert talks to Musa about her life and responsibilities.

Paul Peterson was a Mouseketeer and Donna Reed's TV son. Today he campaigns against the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America1030 Africa and Asia1200 North America1530 Europe1730 Europe2230 Asia, North America

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'The Music House' (originally broadcast April 2004)

Music is the life-blood of the Baka Pygmies. The Euro-Afro band 'Baka Beyond' make music inspired by visits to the Baka. Producer Eka Morgan travels to the rainforest of Cameroon to meet the Baka and members of the band while they build a music house together.

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Powwow at Porcupine' (originally broadcast February 2005)

At the Pine Ridge reservation in Porcupine, South Dakota, the Oglala Lakota Sioux gather for a joyous celebration. At a traditional powwow, the drums they play are the heartbeat of a people proud of their heritage. Producer Martha Hawley joined the festivities.

On this week's Earthbeat we take a walk on the wild side and find out why bison are enjoying their new home in the sandunes of the Netherlands. We go in search of a pack of wolves in Germany who, despite being elusive, are causing controversy between hunters and environmentalists and we hear from the dodo - well uncover a skeleton at least which points to more clues to why it died out.

So whether endangered species or extinct ones, an interesting mix on this week's programme.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0400 North America1000 Africa and Asia1200 North America1540 Europe2300 Europe

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Musica Humana' (originally broadcast July 2005)

Doctors and musicians in Denmark have created a specially composed 'sound environment' to use in hospitals to help patients relax and recover better. Produced by Anne Blair Gould, the programme won a Silver Medal at the New York Festivals.

We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa. The show goes beyond the clichés of starving children and war-ridden countries and seeks to bring you genuine voices from a vibrant continent.

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):0430 North America1000 Africa and Asia1730 Europe2230 Asia, North America

*** Classic Dox ***

This round of Classic Dox features a global quintet of programmes about Music & Healing - from a hospital in Denmark and a conference in England; the tribal traditions of Native Americans and Baka Africans; as well as a historic meeting between a famous psychiatrist and a troubled composer.

'Ode to Health and Ignorance' (originally broadcast September 2006)

Producer Chris Chambers looks at his and other people's experiences with Chronic Lyme Disease to give an impression of what it's like to not only fight a serious illness, but also the doubts and scepticism of doctors. The programme won a Bronze Medal at the New York Festivals.